“Charleston” was composed by James P. Johnson for the production of “Runnin’ Wild”, a musical that opened in October of 1923 at the New Colonial Theatre at 1887 Broadway at 62nd St in New York City. The first published version of the tune was recorded that same month by Arthur Gibbs and his Gang.
Fast forward a year and a half – To this excellent early recording of “Charleston” by Ben Selvin and his Orchestra. The band had recorded “The Original Charleston” under the pseudonym “The Knickerbockers” for the Columbia label on April 10 – and came into the studio to record a second version for Vocalion under the Ben Selvin name.
This second recorded version has tighter orchestration and a more elegant feel to my ears – and some of that comes from the lively arrangement by William Covington Perry (The Perry in Perry’s Hot Dogs), who “doctored up the stock arrangement by Walter Paul Duzet.”
Quite an enjoyable dance tune! Lots of energetic playing by Earl Oliver on trumpet throughout with some hot clarinet and trombone solos to boot. A real treat to listen to!
Recorded in New York City on May 13, 1925.
Released as Vocalion 15038.
Released in the U.K. as Duotone B-5076.
Credits:
Ben Selvin – violin, director
Earl Oliver, Tommy Gott – trumpet
Sammy Lewis – trombone
Larry Abbott, Lucien Smith – clarinet, alto sax, soprano sax
Jimmy Johnston – bass sax
Harry Reser – banjo
Lew Cobey – piano
Milton Sands – drums
William Covington “Bill” Perry – arranger
Thank you to @jslas2-590 for the additions and corrections to the original description!